Aakash Chauhan, MD, MBA
Hometown: South Bend, IN
Undergraduate: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
MBA: Kelley School of Business, Indiana University
Medical School: Indiana University School of Medicine
Interests: Hand and Upper Extremity Surgery

The Basics…
Pittsburgh is a mid-sized city with approximately 2.5 million people in metropolitan area and 300,000 people residing in the city proper. The city was originally founded at the confluence of two rivers, the Allegheny and Monongahela, which form the Ohio River. It began as a series of forts built during the 18th century and figured prominently in early American history. The city grew tremendously during the industrial revolution because of its local resources and the influence of industrialists such as Andrew Carnegie and Henry Frick. Since then, the city has been closely associated with the steel industry, lending to the names of “The Pittsburgh Steelers” and “The Steel City”. Most recently, heavy industry has waned and the industries of medicine, technology, energy, and banking have come to the forefront of the local economy. Pittsburgh has also been repeatedly recognized as one of the country’s most livable cities with its low cost of living, crime, and congestion while combined with access to professional sports, outdoor activities, and culture.

Proximity to…
Pittsburgh is located in the mid-Atlantic region of the U.S. and is relatively Midwestern

New York: approx 370 miles, 6 hour drive

Washington DC: approx 245 miles, 4 hour drive

Philadelphia: approx 300 miles, 5 hour drive

Cleveland: approx 130 miles, 2 hour drive

Chicago: approx 460 miles, 8 hour drive

Where to live…
There are many and diverse neighborhoods surrounding “Downtown” Pittsburgh.

“The East End”- Includes the campuses of the University of Pittsburgh and Carnegie-Mellon University within the areas of Oakland, Shadyside, and Squirrel Hill. This is where the majority of residents choose to live. Here one can find a wide range of options that include cheap apartments near many bars and restaurants or larger houses in quiet neighborhoods. From most of The East End, the commute to Allegheny General Hospital would be approximately 15-25 minutes depending on the time of day.

“The South Side”- This includes the largest bar, restaurant, and shopping district in the area of Pittsburgh. It centered on East Carson Street, which is home to over 80 pubs and restaurants. Adjacent are the “Southside Slopes” which is a residential area offset from the traffic and crowds. It is where the majority of the students at the adjacent Duquesne University choose to live because of its night life and lively atmosphere. From here you can expect 20-35 minute commute to work at Allegheny General.

“The North Side”- This is the area where you will find Allegheny General Hospital. Two of the professional stadiums, Heinz Field and PNC Park, are located in this area on the north shore of the Allegheny and Ohio Rivers. It includes the neighborhoods of Manchester, Brighton Heights, the Mexican War Streets, and Troy Hill. Because of its proximity to the hospital, some residents choose to live here. Although it is convenient, keep in mind that it is an area that is still undergoing revitalization and restoration. You can expect a 5 minute drive into work if you choose not to walk.

The Suburbs- It is possible to find a townhouse or house in a completely suburban setting while still offering a relatively convenient commute. Some residents have chosen to live in the suburban communities. One could easily find a home or apartment that is removed from the city, but within a 20-30 minute drive in the areas of Wexford, Glenshaw, Ross Township, or O’Hara Township.

Local Sports
Pittsburgh is the home of multiple professional sports teams. These include the MLB Pirates, NFL Steelers, NHL Penguins, and USL Riverhounds. The Allegheny Health Network is the official provider for the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Local Culture
Pittsburgh’s Cultural District consists of 7 large venues where one can see a performance of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, Opera, Ballet, or Theater. There are also a wide array of museums, most notably the Andy Warhol Museum, Carnegie Museum of Natural History, and Phipps Conservatory to explore local history and art. During the warmer months, there is an active concert scene with large outdoor venues. For those interested in exploring the variety of cuisine in the city, one should visit the large open-air market known as “The Strip District”. There you can find a wide variety of local and global prepared food or ingredients as well as a large selection of restaurants and pubs.

Recreation
The climate and geography of Pittsburgh provides for a variety of outdoor activities. The waterways around the city allow for boating, fishing, and kayaking. Less than an hour away are white-water rapids for rafting. There are multiple biking paths that follow the rivers as well as cross through neighborhoods. For the winter, there are two skiing and snowboarding resorts approximately one hour away from the city. During warmer months there is usually a good selection of concerts in large outdoor venues. Nearby there is also a large water park (Sand Castle) and an amusement park (Kennywood).

Transportation
There is a system of public transportation that includes bus lines, light-rail, and the inclines to Mt. Washington, but these are somewhat limited. Residents typically rely on their own means of transportation.